Booking a last-minute Spring Break getaway

Jeff Broddle | Cadillac News Chesla Emerick packs for a trip to Pensacola, Fla. with friends. With new passport regulations and most Michigan schools having spring break at the same time, Julie Modder of Vacation Travel Service of Cadillac said it is difficult for people who want to make plans for a last-minute vacation getaway.

When the beginning of April comes along, thoughts usually turn toward the upcoming summer weather. Right now, many thoughts are geared toward spring break.

Some families decide to stay at home, while others have made plans months in advance to go anywhere but home. Whatever the case is, most are anxious for a much needed break.

For those who haven’t made vacation plans, there is still time. Although vacation plans still can be made, there are disadvantages for those getting a late start.

Prices are high and many flights and hotels are already booked.

But for those who just want to get away, there are some options. If you don’t have to go to Florida, Mexico or other popular beach spots, it can be less expensive and less crowded.

Coming up with a spring break destination was somewhat a last minute decision for Evart High School senior Chesla Emerick.

About a month ago, her friend invited her to go along to Pensacola, Fla. for a little more than a week.

“It was kind of a last minute thing,” the 18-year-old said. “But it was easy to book online. I looked at some different sites and went with the best deal.”

Although Emerick had no problem finding a flight to Florida, those looking for a last minute getaway might not find it an easy task. Flights and hotels in some cities are hard to find the week before spring break, according to Julie Modders, manager of Vacation Travel Service in Cadillac.

“If you are looking to go someplace with a beach, like Florida, hotels are pretty well booked,” Modders said. “And flights are hard to find no matter where you go.”

She attributes the difficulty in making late travel plans due to new passport rules, spring break falling on Easter and many Michigan schools having spring break at the same time.

She said to have the best chance of finding a flight, people should look at departing and arriving home anytime Monday through Thursday. People may also have to travel to further airports, such as Detroit.

“It is easiest to find non-beach destinations such as New York, Chicago or Denver,” Modders said. “There also are some charter planes to Las Vegas. A lot of families are going to Las Vegas because there is so much to do for the whole family.”

Another option, for those who don’t like to fly or can’t find a flight, is to take the Amtrak train. Although it can sometime take up to two days to travel, the train does go throughout the country.

“For about $50, a person can go from Grand Rapids to Chicago for four days,” Modders said. “That gives a person time to see a play, go shopping and see the sights.”

Another option is taking a cruise, however, Modders said a person might have to drive to a port due to flights being unavailable. She said there are quite a few three- to four-day cruise trips available.

For those who aren’t afraid to book a trip themselves, the Internet is another option. Flights, hotels and rental cars can be booked on many Web sites.

When shopping around at travel Web sites such as Expedia.com and Orbitz.com, you can find good deals. However, Priceline.com and Hotwire.com had the best bargains when booking, according to Consumer Reports.

The only issue with those two sites is that they don’t specify which company you are doing business with until you enter your credit card number. There also are no refunds or exchanges.

Your local connection

There is time to make last minute getaway plans during the week of spring break. The following vacation options (flight and hotel) were available on www.expedia.com Tuesday. The travel dates chosen were April 2 through 7 and prices are based on two rooms for two adults and two children.